Launching the Mayor's Active Travel Scheme
Oatlands Junior School was the venue for the launch of the Mayor for York & North Yorkshire’s Active Travel Fund for Communities (MATF) - an initiative designed to champion safer, more active journeys within local neighbourhoods. The event brought together community leaders, schools, and families to celebrate the strong foundation already laid in Oatlands.
Guests included North Yorkshire Mayor David Skaith, Active Travel Commissioner Rhiannon Letman‑Wade, and representatives from the Yorkshire Causeway Schools Trust, including Chief Operating Officer Justin Waters. Also in attendance were the Headteacher of Oatlands Infant School Chrristopher Harrison, St. Aidan’s Church of England High School Sian Dover and three St. Aidan’s Year 8 students - Oscar, Joseph, and Toby - whose enthusiasm for active travel added a valuable student voice to the occasion.
Yorkshire Causeway Schools Trust Schools Applaud Local Community Efforts
A key focus of the launch was the participation of two Trust schools: St Aidan’s and Oatlands Infant School. Both schools publicly celebrated and applauded the impressive active travel initiatives already taking place within the Oatlands community. Their involvement highlighted the Trust’s wider commitment to supporting safe, healthy, and environmentally responsible journeys for pupils across the region.
Representatives from the Trust praised the work of local volunteers, families, and community partners who have helped make Oatlands a leading example of what can be achieved when schools work closely with their neighbourhoods.
Putting Safer and Active Routes to School at the Centre
The MATF aims to empower communities to develop projects that create safer and more active routes to school - a priority echoed by students and leaders throughout the event. The Oatlands area was chosen as the backdrop for the launch precisely because of the inspiring community-led projects already underway.
Showcased Projects in Oatlands area
1. School Street at Beechwood Grove
Launched as an 18‑month pilot in September 2023 and made permanent in January 2025, the School Street limits traffic during peak school times while still allowing Blue Badge holders, residents, deliveries, and emergency vehicles to pass. This initiative has transformed the immediate environment around the school, making it safer and more welcoming for families travelling on foot, bike, or scooter.
2. Park & Stride Locations
To support the School Street and help reduce congestion, two Park & Stride sites have been created at the local M&S Food Hall and the train station car park. These encourage families to park safely away from the school gates and complete their journey on foot - promoting daily activity and easing pressure on local roads.
3. Oatlands Bike Bus
A true community success story, the Oatlands Bike Bus - launched in November 2024 is Yorkshire’s first bike bus. The event has consistently attracted 65–100 riders, offering a fun, social, and safe way for families from Oatlands Infant and Junior Schools to cycle together. Its popularity illustrates the strong appetite for healthier, greener travel choices.
A Model for Communities Across the Region
The launch celebrated not only the new Active Travel Fund but also the dedication and collaboration that have already transformed travel habits in Oatlands. With the backing of YCST schools - particularly St. Aidan’s and Oatlands Infant School - the community’s work now stands as a shining example of what the Mayor’s fund can support elsewhere.
The event ended with a strong sense of pride and inspiration. As our Trust schools continues to lead by example, communities across York and North Yorkshire now have a powerful model for creating safer, more active journeys for all children.
